Old Ramschwag castle ruin

Alt-Ramschwag castle ruin is what remains of a medieval stronghold in the municipality of Häggenschwil, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. It stands on a rocky spur above the Sitter River, in the rolling countryside of eastern Switzerland, not far from Lake Constance.

What is Alt-Ramschwag?

The word "Alt" (old) sets this site apart from the nearby Neu-Ramschwag castle. Both strongholds belonged to the lords of Ramschwag, who served as ministerials of the Abbot of St. Gallen, a knightly class tied to the powerful abbey. Walls and fragments of the buildings still stand, making it an atmospheric goal for a short outing.

How was the castle built?

The castle was built by 1176 at the latest as the seat of the Ramschwag family, who developed the surrounding land. Some accounts place construction around 1200, so the exact starting date is given differently depending on who you ask. The steep spur above the Sitter offered natural protection and a view over the valley.

Who owned it?

Before 1370 the castle passed by marriage to Rudolf von Rosenberg-Zuckenriet. In 1427 the Helmsdorf family acquired it. Ownership kept changing while the stronghold gradually lost its importance.

How did it become a ruin?

In the late 15th century part of the castle fell into the Sitter. Around 1490 the southern section collapsed, and the remains were bought by a farmer, Hans Rudolf Koller. The timber parts were taken down before 1536, and for many years the ruin served locals as a quarry for building stone.

Rescue in the 20th and 21st centuries

In 1929 the architect Emil Müller and the builder Josef Thaler bought the ruin. Excavation and conservation took place between 1929 and 1932, and in 1932 the site was secured with the help of the Swiss Castle Association. The municipality of Häggenschwil bought the ruin in 2013. A renovation in 2022 was an unusual undertaking: because of the difficult terrain, around 60,000 kg of mortar from Graubünden was delivered in 210 helicopter flights. The work cost about 600,000 francs.

Before you visit

• The ruin sits in wooded, rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.
• It suits a short walk combined with a bit of regional history.
• An information board from the cantonal archaeology service stands on site.
• Do not confuse it with Ramschwag castle near Nenzing in Austria's Vorarlberg, which is a separate building.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Alt-Ramschwag? In the municipality of Häggenschwil, canton St. Gallen, on a rise above the Sitter River.

Who built the castle? The lords of Ramschwag, ministerials of the Abbot of St. Gallen. The castle existed by 1176 at the latest.

Why is it a ruin? Part of it collapsed in the late 15th century, and the stone was later carried off for other buildings.

Has the ruin been secured? Yes. Conservation was carried out in 1929-1932 and a major renovation in 2022. The municipality has owned it since 2013.

Is it the same castle as Ramschwag in Austria? No. The Austrian Ramschwag near Nenzing is a different building, once called Welsch-Ramschwag to tell it apart from the Swiss castles Alt- and Neu-Ramschwag.

Alt-Ramschwag is a good stop for anyone who enjoys medieval history, short trails and quiet corners of the Swiss countryside away from the busiest sights.